Why does our leadership forget the simple adage, "If you want peace, prepare for war"?

CPO Joseph Grant — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:20:54 -0500

This has been our attitude since at least WWI.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Dec 30 at 2015 9:24 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:24:53 -0500

Were too busy performing social experiments with the most powerful destructive force on the planet... That's why.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 9:33 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:33:55 -0500

The "peace dividend" buys more votes than preparedness does.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Dec 30 at 2015 9:54 AM

SFC Wade W. — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:54:49 -0500

It costs money and if it is done right there are no tangible results. We live in a time of instant gratification and people don't understand if they can't fell it, see it or taste it when they want it.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Dec 30 at 2015 10:00 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:00:18 -0500

Heh. More like 1951...

Here's a chart covering 1789-1997 on the ups and downs of military end strength through the years:

http://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Stats/US_Mil_Manpower_1789-1997.htm

U.S. Military Manpower - 1789 to 1997

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Dec 30 at 2015 10:01 AM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:01:10 -0500

Because you have a bunch of non serving people making decision or the lack ther of.
There is a reason why my father's WWII generation is called the "Greatest"
They did not hesitate to pick up a rifle and follow the call to arms to defend democracy.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:02 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:02:56 -0500

I feel as though most Commands get caught up in the now - reports/paperwork/tunnel vision (call it what you want) and in doing so it ties up the middle leadership - the guys and gals who are directly responsible for the day to day comings and goings. With that being said you need two to three individuals who understand the mission and are able to utilize everything that is being offered to train troops/Marines/sailors etc. There is a LOT of things you can do that does NOT cost a lot of money and still keeps people fresh and their minds in the game.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:06:06 -0500

There are those in charge that want to believe, and to get their followers to believe, that the world is getting better and that the chances of war are getting slimmer and slimmer. Preaching War preparedness does not get anyone votes. Preaching peace and downsizing the military gets the votes. Because, as long as the blinders stay on, then they can't see the dangers still present. And if they can't see the dangers, then they can go on believing that nothing bad will happen.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 30 at 2015 10:28 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:28:32 -0500

"Our" leadership responds to We the People. I know that's a bitter pill to swallow when "We" includes you and I who certainly don't feel the way that many do, especially those who have been enticed to surrender their liberties in exchange for free stuff and an illusion of saftey. However, you and I must remember that we need to be leaders to and encourage our fellow citizens with more alacrity. I suspect that, like me, you don't care too much for politics and government. We're Americans. We don't want nor expect much from our government. Merely operating within its constitutionally defined limits would be just fine with us. Sadly, that attitude has allowed those who seek power to build power while we've been minding our own lives. It's time to put the genie back in the bottle (if that's still possible)...

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:32 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:32:17 -0500

Shhhhhh .... keep it down ... or NSA, IRS ... all those ABC's agencies will jump on you!!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:39:57 -0500

Unfortunately there are civilians that truly believe that if we downsize or even scrap the military that Peace is more obtainable by the simple fact that, if there is no military then we cannot go to war. I deal with educators on a daily basis that are pushing these crazy ideals on our future generations. Thank god for those who still sign up and contribute.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:46:15 -0500

How can we spend so much more on defense than our potential adversaries combined and yet be considered unprepared for war? Do we really lag behind our adversaries, or does our military create unrealistic wish lists of capabilities and requirements that are unsustainable? Looking at those numbers just makes it seem hard to believe that we are somehow too weak due to a lack of defense money.

Plus, our military dwarfs any capability of any terrorist organization. ISIS or AQ, Iran, whomever, didnt make a calculation that they were stronger militarily than the US. In asymetric warfare, increasing the size of the larger side doesnt change the calculus. The smaller side already takes that into account.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 30 at 2015 12:06 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:06:47 -0500

CPO Joseph Grant I concur with CSM David Heidke in that the current administration in particular has been focusing on social experimentation within the military even while reducing force structure and personnel requirements.
The US military is still the most formidable in the world; but, I wonder how long that will continue.
There has long been tension with procuring the best aircraft, ships and major equipment frequently at the expense of maintenance assets, ammunition and more effective yet mundane equipment such as the A-10 Warthog, attack and transport helicopters.
Our leaders seem to respond to polls more readily than to sound judgement. Since a significant part of the population are more focused on what the government will provide to them than what is best for the nation, it is no wonder that the leaders waffle and there is little to no staying power in our commitment to our allies and those who have laid their lives on the line in other nations.
Since the Civil War, the USA has been primarily focused on the last war and drawn down force levels in the expectation of a peace dividend which never really materializes. WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam each started out disastrously for us but because of significant manufacturing capability and a people who cared about others less fortunate than ourselves [not a majority but much more than today] we achieved a measure of success.
Since 1992 we have been relying increasingly on air power to fight our wars including an increased use of cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and we have backed away from winning conflicts to managing objectives.
I am hopeful the next POTUS will be much wiser than the current POTUS in foreign affairs including the the design and application of the military. Increased use of spiral development of equipment and support including software will help materially.
Rightsizing our force including ample training of individual and units/air wings/naval squadrons. etc. is essential to prepare us for the next fight.
Developing the tactics, training and techniques for military service and joint service requirements is a continual need.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Dec 30 at 2015 3:28 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 15:28:25 -0500

It's not that they forget it, it's that they never believed it in the first place.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 11:59 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 11:59:13 -0500

Preparing for war is expensive. 9/11 happened 14 years ago. Every year that ticks past, the less it has influence. Look at what happened after WWII and the beginning of the Korean War with TF Smith.

Response by SGT Dana Williams made Dec 31 at 2015 10:23 PM

SGT Dana Williams — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 22:23:00 -0500

It's the attitude of most of our political leadership, Reagan being the exception. It was well enunciated by Rudyard Kipling, "In times of war and not before, God and soldiers men adore. But in times of peace and all things righted ... God is forgotten and the soldier slighted". Unfortunately ... he nailed it!